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    Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher wanted by Juventus and Inter as Italian giants send scouts to watch transfer target

    ITALY’S giants are scouring English clubs in a shock spying blitz.Juventus and Inter Milan sent scouts to watch Conor Gallagher shine for Crystal Palace against Manchester City last week.
    Gallagher has caught the eye this season with a string of impressive performancesCredit: Alamy
    Nottingham Forest star Djed Spence is also being watched by Italian clubsCredit: Getty
    AC Milan and Inter had spies in VIP seats to see Djed Spence help Nottingham Forest beat QPR on Wednesday.
    England midfielder Gallagher, 22, is due to back at parent club Chelsea at the end of his loan spell this summer.
    But the Serie A sides made hurried arrangements to check him out.
    Gallagher wants to stake his claim at the Blues but uncertainty at the club due to sanctions has put his domestic and foreign admirers on alert.
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    The Eagles would love to keep him but if the cheque books come out then he may be tempted elsewhere.
    Spence, 21, is catching the eye for Forest on loan from Middlesbrough, and Milan are one of over a dozen top clubs tracking his progress.
    The speedy right-back is valued at about £15million by Boro so there would be no bargain deal for anyone.
    The word among Italian talent spotters is they want to compete with German clubs who raided England successfully for the likes of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho in recent years.
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    Meanwhile, Gallagher’s fellow Chelsea product Levi Colwill is on Palace’s radar as he stars on loan at Huddersfield.
    The classy defender, 19, has been a stand out for the Terriers and could be the next Blues prospect to move on.
    Palace signed Marc Guehi, 21, from Chelsea last summer and are waiting to see is Colwill is available.
    Eagles boss Patrick Vieira does not have an immediate vacancy in his side for Colwill but he would be a top addition to the squad and viewed as a long-term investment. More

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    Hakim Ziyech playing like Arjen Robben shows players are in the fight together amid off-field crisis

    CHELSEA’S players are really starting to turn up this season exactly when Thomas Tuchel and the fans need them.We have seen doubts and criticism over a number of Chelsea’s players, especially in attack.
    Hakim Ziyech played like Arjen Robben at times in the FA Cup win against MiddlesbroughCredit: AFP
    Some of them just haven’t looked up for it or showed the quality that we have expected to see from them on a consistent basis.
    But in the last few games, Chelsea’s players have been collectively performing at a very high standard.
    Players such as Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, who have been on the end of criticism recently, have stood up to be counted.
    In fact, Ziyech tonight has been channelling his inner Arjen Robben.
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    The way he cut inside on to his left foot and smashed in a shot mirrored how Robben used to play and boss it for Chelsea for many years.
    But really it is about time that Chelsea started getting some consistent return from some of these big-name players, and they are turning up at just the right time.
    Romelu Lukaku put in a fine performance up top and really looked like he was up for it.
    And it was a desire shown by all the Chelsea players, who have really been pulling together in the same direction during a turbulent time at the club with the off-field drama.
    Romelu Lukaku and Mason Mount impressed in the FA Cup triumphCredit: AFP
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    Mason Mount was on fire as well, and even he has been a little inconsistent this season.
    So it refreshing to see him show the quality once again that we know he has.
    Chelsea’s attackers have rightfully been under criticism lately.
    But in these last few games they have all really been proving their worth and showing that they are good enough to be a real asset to this Chelsea team.
    And they have proven once again that they are all together in the face of adversity.
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel seemed impressed with Romelu Lukaku’s workCredit: PA More

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    Chelsea ratings: Thiago Silva and Mason Mount a class above as Romelu Lukaku scores again in FA Cup

    CHELSEA eased into the FA Cup semi-final with a 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough.Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech secured Thomas Tuchel’s side safe passage, and a welcome boost with all the off-field problems.
    The players congratulate Romelu Lukaku after he opened the scoring for ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    The Londoners are poised to be sold to the highest bidder after Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the British government.
    But the players kept their focus to keep the Prem giants on track for some silverware at the end of the season.
    Here, Simon Phillips rates how Tuchel’s Blues got on at their Championship opposition.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Middlesbrough 0 Chelsea 2 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lukaku and Ziyech send Blues into FA Cup semi-finals
    Edouard Mendy – 7
    Didn’t have much to do tonight with Chelsea largely taking control of the game.
    Solid distribution and did what he needed to do when called upon.
    Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
    Neat and tidy game from the captain and he was involved in a lot of what Chelsea did good whilst in possession.
    Solid at the back as well and did his job.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Thiago Silva – 9
    Absolutely brilliant from Thiago. Once again he was critical to everything that Chelsea did well and was the key man passing out from the back and building up play.
    Really calm and great passing in tight spaces.
    Antonio Rudiger – 7
    Another energetic and emphatic performance from Rudiger, up and down the pitch with immense work rate.
    Solid defending and also a threat in the box for set pieces.
    Malang Sarr – 7
    He made some very good tackles and was good on the ball as well.
    Caught on a couple of occasions but this was a much more competent performance from the left-back today.
    Hakim Zieych put in a fantastic showing against MiddlesbroughCredit: Rex
    Mateo Kovacic – 7
    Was the main man advancing possession in transition for Chelsea, carrying the ball after it was released from deep and being a great outlet as the visitors tried to control the game.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8
    He was caught out a few times on the ball deep when he tried to dribble out with it early on.
    But he soon gathered some composure and continued to have a good game and was a calm influence for Chelsea.
    Mason Mount – 9
    Emphatic performance from Mount again, he was everywhere on the pitch and was the main Chelsea danger man when they were attacking.
    Some great close passing and through balls, and set up Lukaku perfectly for the opener.
    Mason Mount once again showed his classCredit: AFP
    Hakim Ziyech – 9
    His shot for the second Chelsea goal was immense, perfectly hit and he absolutely meant it.
    It reminded me of prime Arjen Robben. Very good game from him wide out on the right.
    Christian Pulisic – 7
    Used the ball well whenever he got on it and was a threat out wide on the left. He was carrying the ball well and dribbled with intent.
    Got fouled a lot which is always very telling.
    Romelu Lukaku – 8
    Got his early goal and was a real nuisance all through the game. Held the ball up well and was linking up well with the other attackers bringing them into the game.
    He looked lively and he looked up for it.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}UNI HORROR .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Neighbours heard ‘loud bang’ before student died from her injuries in uni halls
    SUBS
    Timo Werner for Pulisic (68 mins) – 6
    Wasn’t good when he came on – loose touches and missed a couple chances.
    N’Golo Kante for Kovacic (68 mins) – 7
    Great energy of course and he was really helpful for Chelsea to keep possession late on and see them over the line.
    Harvey Vale for Lukaku (83 mins) – N/A More

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    Boro wanted revenge but it was the 600 lucky Chelsea fans toasting Wembley – even if they may not be there themselves

    IT WAS a day Middlesbrough wanted revenge, but instead it was 600 lucky Chelsea fans left toasting Wembley – even if they may not be there themselves!The build-up to this one had been volatile.
    600 lucky Chelsea supporters celebrated an FA Cup quarter-final victory on TeessideCredit: Rex
    Boro’s FA Cup dreams were ended by a side who always seem to leave their fans feeling blueCredit: PA
    The Blues, restricted to just the small number that had already purchased tickets before the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich, failed in an attempt to get it behind-closed-doors.
    That meant that the small army of backers from West London may be the final few to watch their side away from home this term.
    And just like their heroes on the pitch, they overcame an early sea of red and white noise to ensure they went out with a bang.
    But it’s not just the events of the last few days that makes the Blues so disliked around Teesside.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from FA Cup plea
    The bad blood began in 1988 when Boro relegated Chelsea in the play-offs on a day dubbed ‘The Battle of Stamford Bridge’.
    Hordes of thugs broke through fencing at the infamous Shed End at full time, charging past police to launch missiles at Boro supporters in disgusting scenes.
    Then the agony began for Boro with a hat-trick of Wembley cup final defeats to Chelsea during the 90s.
    And it just had to be the boys in blue who delivered the final nail in the coffin during Boro’s limp 2017 relegation campaign.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    It’s a new generation of fans cheering on Chris Wilder’s Boro now, but those agonies of yesteryear still live deep in the hearts of those longer in the tooth.
    And that is why Chelsea’s request midweek hit such a raw nerve – especially with chairman Steve Gibson.
    The Middlesbrough-born millionaire, involved for all of the above agonies, blasted the attempt as “pathetic” and claimed “sporting integrity and Chelsea do not belong in the same sentence”.
    And that was all before he blasted Blues chairman Bruce Buck as an “excuse of a man”.
    Things were just as hot outside of the boardroom.
    Thomas Tuchel took his boys for a lunchtime stroll in town beforehand in front of stunned onlookers as the tiny Chelsea faithful enjoyed some liquid refreshment in Doc Brown’s.
    But little did they know what a hotbed of noise awaited them a mile down the road.
    It was 3:45pm when the away team coach was met by loud boos and abuse outside the ground.
    And the home supporters were only too happy to dish out a second helping when the Champions League holders emerged for their warm-up.
    “I absolutely hate them,” Boro fan Andrew Harris told us. “They left me gutted twice at Wembley as a kid. Now they’ve tried to ruin today for my little lad. We owe them big time.” 
    The Red Faction unfurled a huge “We Are The Boro Boys” banner as a rendition of “One Stevie Gibson” met the opening whistle.
    Chelsea sealed their place in the FA Cup semi-finals next monthCredit: PA
    Whether it was the noise drowning them out or whether they had come to their senses after recent weeks, there was no repeat of the “Roman Abramovich” songs from the away end.
    But they did make themselves heard after quarter of an hour as the raucous Riverside fell silent thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s opener.
    And soon they were all you could hear after Hakim Ziyech doubled the advantage before the break.
    “Is there a fire drill” chanted the hardy away crew in the south east corner before a chorus of “You’re only here for the Chelsea” filled the air.
    “We all follow the Chelsea, over land and sea” was the song choice for the start of the second period – however true that may be.
    Another rendition for Gibson followed before Boro fans sang “Where’s your chairman gone” before a X-rated “F*** off Abramovich” echoed around the stands.
    Then it came. Undeterred by the backlash towards him, Chelsea retialited by singing the name of the Russian.
    “When Chelsea f***ing die, we’re all having a party” sang the home fans in one last blast at the death – but once again they were left feeling blue courtesy of their bogey club. More

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    John Terry confirms £250m Chelsea takeover bid as he links up with True Blues consortium to share club with billionaires

    JOHN Terry will attempt to protect Chelsea’s “history and heritage” by joining the True Blues Consortium in their bid to own 10 per cent of the club.Terry has backed the True Blues Consortium’s bold plans to levy funds to buy a stake in Chelsea through a community scheme.
    Chelsea legend John Terry is linking up with the True Blues ConsortiumCredit: Rex
    Fans would be able to buy into the set-up from as little as £100, with the True Blues Consortium aiming to work with the club’s eventual new owners on buying a minority share in the club.
    Terry and former Chelsea women’s player Claire Rafferty have put their names to the consortium, with True Blues chiefs having made contact with Raine Group, the bank overseeing Chelsea’s sale.
    Chelsea Pitch Owners, who own the Stamford Bridge freehold, and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have backed the plan in principle.
    The True Blues Consortium would elect one representative to sit on Chelsea’s board and decorated former skipper Terry has been impressed with the ambitious plans.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from FA Cup plea
    He said: “Chelsea has been such an important part of my life for 22 years.
    “I want to see the club’s history and heritage protected as we go into a new era with like-minded people who have the same long-term vision of building the best football club in the world and understand how important our DNA is.
    “Having met with and heard what the True Blues Consortium is about, I know they understand. They’re a group of lifelong Chelsea fans and season ticket holders who have created a concept that will complement and assist any preferred bidder running the club while adding fan connection and engagement with the board.
    “This innovative structure is designed to be inclusive of all Chelsea fans and protect our club.
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    “I’m thankful for the Chelsea Pitch Owners and Chelsea Supporters’ Trust’s time and support on this and we hope we will be welcome investors into the club’s new structure.”
    Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2 amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    The Russian-Israeli billionaire was sanctioned by the UK Government last week, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Vladimir Putin.
    Abramovich’s UK assets are all frozen barring Chelsea, with the Blues operating under strict Government licence.
    Raine Group’s deadline for bids to buy Chelsea passed on Friday night, with a host of serious parties lodging their candidacy.
    LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Sebastian Coe, Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family and British property tycoon Nick Candy all submitted their bids in time.
    Saudi Media Group also met the deadline, with more bids besides understood to have been lodged.
    Property developer Nick Candy is one of the bidders for the clubCredit: PA
    The True Blues Consortium would launch a community offering platform called the CFC Exchange, run by PrimaryBid, to allow fans to buy into the scheme.
    Investment group Oakvale Capital has backed the True Blues scheme, underpinning the finances.
    “We are united not only in our desire to ensure a bright future for Chelsea FC, but also in our ability to put this plan into action,” said Oakvale Capital partner Sandford Loudon.
    “We’re a group of seasoned tech entrepreneurs, financiers, high-net-worth individuals and most importantly lifelong fans, who want to make sure whoever buys Chelsea is held accountable by Chelsea fans.
    “We will work with both the sellers and the Government, as well as the bidders, to guarantee that fans have a say.”
    A spokesperson from Chelsea Pitch Owners added: “Chelsea Pitch Owners supports the True Blues plan in principle in that it looks to offer Chelsea fans a greater voice in how the club is run, subject to seeing the final proposals on more detail.
    American Todd Boehly is leading a consortium that’s bid for the BluesCredit: Getty
    “CPO remains committed to ensuring the future of football at Stamford Bridge and appreciates True Blues’ support of CPO’s call for its loan with Chelsea FC to be written off.”
    And a spokesperson for the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “The CST has been clear that the best outcome for Chelsea supporters is for new owners to protect Chelsea’s heritage by giving fans a golden share.
    “Subject to further detail, the CST supports in principle the fundamental aim of the True Blues consortium, which is to give fans a greater say in how the club is run. We welcome further dialogue with True Blues as things develop over the next days and weeks.” More

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    Billionaire consortium planning Chelsea takeover led by Seb Coe and Sir Martin Broughton vows huge transfer investment

    THE CONSORTIUM led by Seb Coe and Sir Martin Broughton that is trying to buy Chelsea have vowed serious investment so the club can continue competing for European honours.Owner Roman Abramovich has put the reigning Champions League holders up for sale – at a valuation of £3billion – after his assets were frozen by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Coe (pictured) and Broughton plan to inject huge amounts of money into the Chelsea squadCredit: EPA
    Broughton was formerly chairman at LiverpoolCredit: AFP
    Double Olympic champion Coe and British businessman Broughton submitted a “competitive” formal bid on Friday to take over the Stamford Bridge club – with global backers from four different continents.
    All cash proceeds from the sale would be “delivered without delay to the victims of the ongoing humanitarian crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
    The pair – who are lifelong Chelsea fans – have promised fans they will “invest in the club to keep it at the top of European football”.
    They say there would be an “immediate commitment to invest in players, new team facilities, and new commercial opportunities”.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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    The bidders want to “move quickly to resume all normal operations at the club, avoid catastrophic delays, and protect the fans, employees, players, and sponsors”.
    And all major decisions – including plans for the future of the West London stadium – would be “made alongside the fans”.
    Their five-point blueprint which has been seen by SunSport added: “All options are on the table, including all recommendations of the Fan-Led Review, and these will be implemented following consultation with the supporters.
    “A consortium approach of investors who share the same ambition, commitment, and fan-centric vision.
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    “The plan will guarantee that the club is never beholden to a single individual or sovereign wealth fund, ensuring that the club never faces a crisis like this again.”
    Coe, 65, is the head of World Athletics — he will go for re-election next year — but he would have a seat on the Chelsea board if the bid goes through.
    Broughton, a former British Airways chairman, brokered the sale of Liverpool during a similar crisis 12 years ago when Fenway Sports Group took over from the disastrous Gillett and Hicks regime.
    The 74-year-old said: “I am assembling a team that will ensure the future success and financial stability of a club I’ve supported for over 60 years.
    “We will secure a prompt purchase and smooth transition, with funds readily available for the immediate takeover of the club and immediate investment in the team, facilities, and commercial opportunities.
    “I believe I am the right person to lead Chelsea as we start this new chapter for the club. 
    “I have a track record of success in boardrooms throughout my career and I have done this before.
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    “I remain the only person to have effected a change of ownership at a major football club in a similar situation, which I did at Liverpool 12 years ago. 
    “But most importantly, as a lifelong fan, I am committed to ensuring Chelsea maintains its preeminent position at the top of European football and making sure we put fans first.” More

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    Chelsea takeover deadline passes with four confirmed consortiums in running to take club over from Roman Abramovich

     NICK CANDY, Sir Martin Broughton, Todd Boehly and the Ricketts family all beat Friday’s deadline to submit bids for Chelsea and takeover from Roman Abramovich.
    Ex-Liverpool chairman Broughton is joined in a consortium with Lord Sebastian Coe, who would be offered a place on the board.
    Chelsea fan Nick Candy is one of the billionaires trying to buy ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Broughton and Coe, both season ticket holders at Stamford Bridge, have said they would plough money into upgrading facilities and investing in players.
    The pair revealed: “All cash proceeds from the sale are delivered without delay to the victims of the ongoing humanitarian crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
    While the fans would be “at the heart of decision making”.
    Broughton, who sold Liverpool in similar circumstances to the Fenway Sports Group with government consent, outlined his credentials to Sky News.
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    He said: “I’ve been a Chelsea fan since 1955. I’ve been down there for 67 years. I am a fan. I think it’s important that we have a great deal of fan involvement in this.
    “We can bring stability. That’s an important part of having a consortium. When you have a single party you run geopolitical risks and financial risks, even health risks, where an incident can create confusion and chaos at the club.
    “Where you have a consortium, if something like that happens, it affects the consortium – it doesn’t affect the club. A consortium brings long-term stability of like-minded, highly-capitalised people who are in it for the long haul, with no exit timeline at all.
    British property developer Nick Candy, who is married to ex-Neighbours star Holly Valance, has also revealed he is leading a global consortium which has made a £2billion bid, while he has promised fan representation on the board.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    His Blue Football Consortium has promised to pour money into the women’s and men’s academy, as well as finance a new stadium.
    Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family have teamed up with hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, who is the richest potential owner worth £21billion.
    Los Angeles Dodgers owner Boehly, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and Jonathan Goldstein have support from Clearlake Capital, a Californian investment firm who have £46billion worth of assets and are keen to do a takeover deal before Chelsea’s next match on April 2.
    Ex-Tory advisor Daniel Finkelstein and Barbara Charone, a music PR that runs a company who looks after Foo Fighters, Madonna, Rod Stewart and more, are also part of that consortium.
    London investment firm Aethel Partners are also believed to have put in a bid for more than £2billion, and are said to be willing to give Chelsea £50million to cover any short-term financing they need to move forward.
    Turkish mogul Muhsin Bayrak has NOT made a bid for the club, after missing Friday’s 9pm deadline.
    A Todd Boehly-led consortium has also beaten the deadline for the bid to buy the BluesCredit: Getty
    Bayrak, who said there was a “90 per cent chance” he would buy the Blues, is reportedly upset and has said a misunderstanding with his lawyers meant he missed out.
    The Chelsea Supporters Trust have revealed they have held talks with several of the consortiums, and are asking for fan involvement “through the creation of a legally-binding golden share”.
    They are also calling on the government to prove they support football fans by “implementing the recommendations of the Fan-led review for the benefit of all supporters”. More

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    Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta ‘reaches free transfer agreement with Barcelona in summer’ after 10 years at club

    CHELSEA captain Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly struck a deal to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.Football Insider claims the versatile defender, 32, has snubbed several offers from the Blues to extend his deal past the end of this season.
    Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly heading to Barcelona on a free transferCredit: Getty
    And Azpilicueta has now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ to swap Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp in July.
    The Spain international has been at Chelsea for ten years, winning numerous trophies including two titles and last year’s Champions League.
    But the opportunity to see out his final years back home with another top European side has been too good to turn down.
    Azpilicueta is just one of three key players set to leave Chelsea this summer following sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich.
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    Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen is thought to have also struck a free transfer to Barcelona.
    Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger has reportedly agreed to join Juventus on a mega four-year contract.
    With three star defenders all set to leave, Chelsea will be light on options at the back unless a new owner gives sufficient financial backing for a summer rebuild.
    As it stands, Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr will be the only three senior centre-backs left at the club.
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    Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is thought to be high on Thomas Tuchel’s list – should the German stay put.
    And Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt is another option, with the Dutchman ironically set to be ousted from Turin by Rudiger’s arrival. More